Diva Cup

[RoadRaven]

Thanks Alison and Doc

Hey, I'm just wondering, what is the state of Toxic Shock Syndrome with these cups?

TSS is linked closely with leaving tampons in for too long ... so how long does one leave a diva/keeper in... is TSS a factor with these as well?

[doc]

They address the TSS issue on the Diva cup site. TSS was related to super absorbancy of tampons as well as how long they were left in place. The diva and keeper do not absorb anything, and don't create the same bacteria friendly environment that the tampon does. I'm going to go online and check if there have ever been any reports of TSS with a menstrual cup. I'll let you know if I find anything

[shewhobikes]

OK, so I am getting a diva cup tomorrow and hoping to figure it out before I do the MS150 ride in Florida in 2 weeks.

Sorry if this is TMI, but I am in a bad way with cramps and heavy bleeding off and on for most of 2 weeks now, after not having a period since December. Yes, I've talked to the doc and yes, I've had all the requisite tests (endometrial biopsy--YOUCH!!!--blood work, etc., etc.). And I'm taking my vitamins and slow-release iron.

I was hoping to do the full 150--75 on that Saturday on my bike, 75 on Sunday with my sweetie on the tandem--but I guess I will just have to let Mother Nature fill me in on what's possible at the time.

I guess I'm just discouraged. I've ridden well all summer, including LOTS of climbing on a weeklong trip in Vermont, and now I've not felt like riding for 2 weeks.

OK, I will get off the pity pot and see if anybody has any suggestions or encouragement. I'm 51 years young, been riding 2.5 years, put 2,500 miles on the bike each year, and now I'm frustrated and a bit bummed out...

Thanks!

[kat_h]

I've been thinking about trying these for a while and after reading this thread I ordered the sample 2 pack of Instead. If that goes well I'll try a mooncup. I've actually never used tampons. Back when I was a kid my mom made me try to put one in. It hurt and I couldn't get it in so I never tried again. Currently I use cotton flannel pads. For the most part I'm really happy with them. I just want to try all of the options and compare.

You guys really do answer everything.

[zoom-zoom]

I have been trying the Diva Cup for the last few days--tired of dealing with tampons or having the string chafe my bits during rides.

Ok, so when I have gotten the cup where it belongs and had it successfully open it works well, but I can still always feel it...kinda like I have a golf ball crammed up my hoo-ha. Everything I read is that it shouldn't be felt if it's in properly and the right size. I have a tough time getting it to open, too, regardless of which fold method I use to insert. And it's sometimes kinda painful getting it in, much less trying to turn it to open. I keep seeing that one should be able to reach all the way in and feel the top edge--really?! Do I just have short fingers? I have a REALLY difficult time feeling for my cervix, too--always have.

This chart shows the Diva Cup as being the longest cup on the market, as well as one of the largest around. I almost wonder if it's just too big for me. The other day when I ran with it in it felt like it was working it's way down--THAT was not a pleasant sensation. I didn't really want to give birth to a little wad of silicone mid-run.

I went back to wearing a tampon today. I gave up after a sweaty and messy 10 minutes of battling to properly insert the cup and starting to make everything down there really uncomfortable.

[moonfroggy]

i have the same problem with my diva, and it has worked it's way all the way down when it had been very high up to begin with. very unpleasant!

i have pondered trying a shorter wider brand of cup but have not got around to it yet.

[badger]

This chart shows the Diva Cup as being the longest cup on the market, as well as one of the largest around.

who knew there were so many menstrual cups out there??

My first Diva cup was really hit and miss in terms of comfort and fit (sometimes it never inflated properly and leaked). I finally replaced it after about 4 years and the second cup is so different. Never a problem with leaking, and I hardly ever feel it (first one I cut the stem off completely, the second only one "notch"). Very weird.

[zoom-zoom]

who knew there were so many menstrual cups out there??

I know! I was familiar with 3-4...that chart is overwhelming!